Arsene Wenger keen to seal Theo Walcott deal

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has urged Theo Walcott to put pen to paper on a new deal at the Emirates Stadium.

The England international is out of contract at the end of the season and will be free to speak to clubs from abroad in January.

In recent years, the Gunners have been forced to sell the likes of Mathieu Flamini, Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie after letting their contracts run down.

Wenger is keen to prevent a similar situation unfolding with Walcott.

"I don't think you can put a time-frame on when it will be resolved," said Wenger. "Ideally he has to commit. It is difficult. I believe you have to commit at some stage.

"It is very important in our sport to be very committed to where you are, and as long as you do not do that, you are not completely at ease. It is important for our squad as well that he is completely committed.

"I do not doubt it, but as well at some stage it has to be concrete."

The 23-year-old joined Arsenal from Southampton in January 2006.